Bipartisan redistricting deal is closer
By Jim Siegel
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday December 5, 2012 6:13 AM
A bipartisan legislative task force could forge a full compromise plan in the next few days to overhaul the way Ohio draws legislative and congressional districts.
The task force co-chairs, Sens. Keith Faber, R-Celina, and Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, who together represent about as wide a political spectrum as one might find anywhere in the Statehouse, each said yesterday that talks are ongoing and a deal could be in the works.
There have been doubts about whether the panel could agree on a full plan, or would just focus more on broader recommendations.
Faber said he’s optimistic that a report will be ready this week, with a public hearing scheduled next week — the likely final week of legislative sessions for this General Assembly.
House Passes Legislation Increasing Minimum Auto Insurance Liability
Hannah Report 12/4/12
Hannah Report 12/4/12
In a session where the House began to say its goodbyes to departing members, the chamber also took the opportunity to update a number of laws spanning back decades.
Among those was a 1969 law that set minimum liability amounts for automobile insurance. HB278 sponsor Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) noted that in the 43 years since those limits were set, the Consumer Price Index has gone from 36.7 to 218.05, meaning items that cost a dollar then cost more than $5 now. He said it is "almost unbelievable that the minimum requirements haven't been updated in 43 years."
The legislation changes the current limits to $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in any one accident, to $50,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people in any single accident, and $25,000 for property damage in any one accident.
Among those was a 1969 law that set minimum liability amounts for automobile insurance. HB278 sponsor Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) noted that in the 43 years since those limits were set, the Consumer Price Index has gone from 36.7 to 218.05, meaning items that cost a dollar then cost more than $5 now. He said it is "almost unbelievable that the minimum requirements haven't been updated in 43 years."
The legislation changes the current limits to $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in any one accident, to $50,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people in any single accident, and $25,000 for property damage in any one accident.
People in the News: Woodring; Ryan
Hannah Report 12/4/12
House Clerk to Resign
Jennifer Woodring, clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives, has submitted her letter of resignation to House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina), effective at the close of business on Monday, Jan. 7 -- the day the 130th General Assembly convenes.
In the letter, Woodring referenced the May birth of her daughter, telling the speaker that her "desire to be actively involved in her childhood has brought me to a place where I wish to no longer allow my role as clerk to preclude precious time with her."
Woodring, a 12-year employee of the Ohio House, was first named interim clerk in January 2012.
After House session Tuesday, Batchelder said they could name a replacement by as early as next week.
“We’ve had discussions with an individual with previous experience who could do the job for us. I have not yet talked to his present employer and I also want to visit with him one more time, and I want him to visit with our leadership group,” Batchelder said. “I think the members who have been here a long time will be pleased.”
House Clerk to Resign
Jennifer Woodring, clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives, has submitted her letter of resignation to House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina), effective at the close of business on Monday, Jan. 7 -- the day the 130th General Assembly convenes.
In the letter, Woodring referenced the May birth of her daughter, telling the speaker that her "desire to be actively involved in her childhood has brought me to a place where I wish to no longer allow my role as clerk to preclude precious time with her."
Woodring, a 12-year employee of the Ohio House, was first named interim clerk in January 2012.
After House session Tuesday, Batchelder said they could name a replacement by as early as next week.
“We’ve had discussions with an individual with previous experience who could do the job for us. I have not yet talked to his present employer and I also want to visit with him one more time, and I want him to visit with our leadership group,” Batchelder said. “I think the members who have been here a long time will be pleased.”
Gongwer 12/4/12
House Clerk Jennifer Woodring on Tuesday submitted a letter of resignation effective Jan. 7, saying she wanted to spend more time with her young daughter.
Ms. Woodring assumed the post in January after serving for more than a decade on House staff. She had previously served as the House Journal clerk.
"It is a gross understatement that I have enjoyed my 12-year tenure with the Ohio House of Representatives," the departing clerk said in a letter to Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina). "I hold this extraordinary institution, the legislative process, and the beautiful Ohio Statehouse in the highest regard."
Speaker Batchelder said he was talking with a candidate for the post who has prior experience and would have an announcement on Ms. Woodring's replacement next week.
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